Vessel with indicia and caddy

ABSTRACT

A vessel is disclosed including a peripheral wall structure having an upper end defining a top opening and a lower end, a bottom wall structure extending from the peripheral wall structure and closing the lower end for cooperation with the peripheral wall structure to define a first cavity, the bottom wall structure having a depression formed therein defining a second cavity which forms an extension of the first cavity, and indicia on the bottom wall structure for indicating the volume of the contents of the second cavity.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application is a divisional application of, claims priority to andthe benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/081,385 filed Mar.16, 2005, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S.provisional application No. 60/554,105, entitled, “BUCKET WITH ANGLEDINDICIA AND CADDY”, filed Mar. 17, 2004.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application relates generally to vessels, and more particularly toopen-top vessels, such as containers, bowls, pails, buckets and thelike, and specifically to volume-measurement devices for use on suchvessels.

BACKGROUND

It is known to provide various types of open-top buckets, pails and thelike, such as for use in household or commercial cleaning applications,or the like. It is also known to provide various types of vessels, suchas measuring cups and the like, with various types of measurementindicia for indicating the volume of the contents of the vessel. Onesuch arrangement is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,543,284, whichdiscloses a measuring cup with inclined ramps having indicia on theupper surface thereof which can be read while looking down into the opentop of the vessel for accurately indicating the volume of the contentsof the vessel.

While this arrangement works well for indicating the overall contents ofthe vessel, there are frequently occasions where it is desired to mixdifferent contents in a vessel, such as a small volume of a first liquidto be mixed with a larger volume of a second liquid. Thevolume-indicating techniques disclosed heretofore are not as suitablefor this purpose as the present invention.

Additionally, implements, such as mops, may have an elongated handlerelative to the height of a vessel. When such an implement is placed ina vessel, the handle of the implement rests against the inner side ofthe upper end of the vessel at an angle relative to the peripheral wallof the vessel. Depending on the size of the vessel, the inclination ofthe implement handle is likely sufficient to cause the implement to fallout of the vessel and/or cause the vessel to tip over and spill itscontents, or cause the implement handle to slide into the contents ofthe vessel. Despite the fact that this aspect of vessels, such as mopbuckets, is well known and the fact that care is generally taken whenleaving implements in vessels, in actuality, the aforementioned problemscontinue to commonly occur.

SUMMARY

There is disclosed herein an improved vessel in the nature of acontainer, bowl, pail or bucket which includes improvedvolume-measurement features and a caddy for use therewith thatreleasably secures an implement within the vessel.

An illustrative embodiment of the present invention relates to a vesselincluding a peripheral wall structure having an upper end defining a topopening and a lower end, a bottom wall structure integral with theperipheral wall structure and closing the lower end for cooperation withthe peripheral wall structure to define a first cavity, the bottom wallstructure having a depression formed therein defining a second cavitywhich forms an extension of the first cavity, and indicia on the bottomwall structure for indicating the volume of the contents of the secondcavity.

Another illustrative embodiment provides caddy for use with a vesselincluding a peripheral wall structure having an upper end defining a rimand a lower end, the rim configured to engage an upper end of a vessel,a plurality of partition members dividing the receptacle into aplurality of compartments, a bottom wall structure integral with theperipheral wall structure and plurality of partition members, the bottomwall closing the lower end for cooperation with the peripheral wallstructure and plurality of partition members, an implement lock memberformed integrally with the peripheral wall, and a handle formedintegrally with at least one partition member of the plurality ofpartition members.

The invention provides an improved open-top vessel which includesfeatures for measuring the volumes of two different contents to be mixedin the vessel.

A more detailed explanation of the invention is provided in thefollowing description and claims and is illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For the purpose of facilitating an understanding of the subject mattersought to be protected, there is illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings an embodiment thereof, from an inspection of which, whenconsidered in connection with the following description, the subjectmatter sought to be protected, its construction and operation, and manyof its advantages should be readily understood and appreciated.

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a vessel;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged top plan view of the vessel of FIG. 1, with thehandle removed;

FIG. 3 is a reduced front elevational view of the vessel of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a left-end elevational view of the vessel of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a right-end elevational view of the vessel of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged top plan view of a caddy; and

FIG. 7 a reduced front elevational view of the caddy of FIG. 6 inoperation with a handle and the vessel of FIGS. 1-5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIGS. 1-5, there is illustrated a vessel 10, which may beof unitary, one-piece construction and may be molded of suitable plasticmaterial. The vessel 10 has a peripheral side wall structure 11, whichis generally oval in shape and slopes slightly inwardly from an upperend to a lower end thereof, the lower end being closed by a bottom wallstructure 12, which is generally oval in shape. The bottom wallstructure 12, as viewed from above, has a concave gutter portion 13,which is generally in the shape of an oval ring and is disposed forsupporting engagement with an associated underlying support surface,such as a floor. The gutter portion 13 may be provided with four raised,arcuate support feet 13 a on its outer surface, respectively in cornerregions. The gutter portion 13 has an outer wall continuous with theside wall structure 11 and an upwardly projecting inner wall 14, whichis integral around its entire periphery with an oval horizontal flat 14a. The inner edge of the flat 14 a is integral with a concave measuringrecess or cavity 15, which has a flat bottom 15 a. The peripheral sidewall structure 11 cooperates with the bottom wall structure 12 fordefining a large cavity 16, of which the measuring recess or cavity 15forms a small portion. The upper end of the peripheral side wallstructure 11 is integral with a laterally outwardly extending flange 17which, in turn, is integral at its outer edge with a depending skirt 18.The flange 17 and skirt 18 are deformed adjacent to the opposite ends ofthe peripheral side wall structure 11 to define a pair of pouring spouts19.

Formed on the peripheral side wall structure 11 on opposite sidesthereof are inclined ramps 20 and 20 a, respectively having uppersurfaces 21 which are substantially coplanar. Each of the ramps 20 and20 a serves to divide the adjacent side of the peripheral side wallstructure 11 into an inner wall portion 22, which extends downwardlyfrom the inner edge of the ramp, and an outer wall portion 23, whichprojects upwardly from the outer edge of the ramp. The width of eachramp tapers downwardly to a lower end 24 of substantially zero widthwhich merges with the surface of the peripheral side wall structure 11,and also tapers upwardly to a tapered upper end 25, which hassubstantially zero width and merges with the surface of the peripheralside wall structure 11. Formed on the upper surface 21 of the ramp 20 isa set of first indicia 26 and formed on the upper surface of the ramp 20a is a set of second indicia 27, both the first and second indicia 26and 27 serving to indicate the volume of the contents of the cavity 16.The first indicia may be graduated in one measurement system, e.g.,metric, while the other set of indicia 27 may be graduated in adifferent measurement, e.g., English. Thus, for example, the firstindicia 26 may be graduated in liters and the second indicia 27 may begraduated in gallons, although it will be appreciated that othermeasurement units could be used. A third set of indicia 28 may bedisposed along the bottom wall structure 12 adjacent to one end thereoffor indicating the volume of the contents of the small cavity 14 a.Formed in the skirt 18 at opposite sides of the peripheral side wallstructure 11 midway between the spouts 19 are handle attachment holes 29for receiving mounting lugs at the opposite ends of an associatedbail-type handle (FIG. 1) to facilitate lifting or carrying of thevessel 10.

While, in the illustrated embodiment, the vessel 10 is molded of asuitable plastic, it will be appreciated that it could be formed of anyother suitable materials, such as suitable metals or the like.

The indicia 26 and 27 on the ramps 20 and 20 a may be easily viewed fromabove to readily indicate the volume of the contents of the vesselcavity 16, without necessitating the viewing of indicia from the side ofthe vessel. Similarly, the indicia 28 are disposed on a sloping portionof the bottom wall structure 12 for indicating the volume of thecontents of the small cavity 14 a. This arrangement is particularlyuseful for purposes of mixing two different liquids. For example, it mayfrequently be necessary to dilute a first liquid, such as by providing asmall volume, e.g., one cup, of a first liquid in a vessel and thendiluting with a second liquid until the entire mixture totals onegallon. The vessel 10 greatly facilitates this by permitting the firstliquid to be added to the vessel until the desired volume is registeredon the indicia 28, which can be easily viewed from above, and thenadding water or other diluents until the required total volume isreached, as is readily indicated by the indicia 26 and 27, which mayalso be easily read from above.

Referring now to FIGS. 6-7, there is illustrated a caddy in the natureof caddy 30. Caddy 30 may be of unitary, one-piece construction and maybe molded of suitable plastic material, and preferably the same materialas vessel 10. The caddy 30 has a peripheral side wall structure 31,which is generally oval in shape and may slope or step inwardly from anupper end to a lower end thereof, the lower end being closed by a bottomwall structure 32, which is also generally oval in shape. The upper endof peripheral side wall structure 31 is integral with a laterallyoutwardly extending rim 33, which is configured to overlap at least aportion of flange 17 of vessel 10 so that caddy 30 may be supported byvessel 10.

In the illustrative embodiment, the bottom wall structure 32 is integralwith the peripheral side wall structure 31 and a plurality of partitionmembers 34. The plurality of partition members are employed to dividethe caddy 30 into a plurality of compartments 35 within the spacedefined by peripheral side wall structure 31 and bottom wall structure32. The plurality of compartments 35 are utilized to separate contentsof the caddy 30 from one another. For example, it may be desirable toseparate wet storage items from dry storage items. To facilitateconvenient operation of caddy 30, bottom wall structure 32 mayincorporate at least one opening 36. Openings 36 are provided so thatliquids accompanying a wet item stored in a compartment 35, such as asponge, may drain into vessel 10, thereby preventing compartment 35having an opening 36 in its associated portion of integral bottom wallstructure 32 from collecting and retaining liquids therein. Furthermore,compartments 35 may be of varying dimensions, so as to effectivelycontain items of differing height, length, width, volume and the like.

Additionally, handle 37 may be provided so that caddy 30 may be carriedby a user. In the illustrative embodiment, handle 37 is integral with atleast one partition member 34. However, handle 37 may be integral withmore than one partition member 34, integral with rim 33, or a separatepiece that is engaged to a partition member 34 and/or rim 33. Handle 37may also be provided with a rubberized grip 38.

In operation, rim 33 of caddy 30 is positioned over flange 17 of vessel10. Rim 33 is dimensioned and configured to be reasonably securable toflange 17.

Caddy 30 is further provided with an implement lock member 39. Implementlock 39 may be a detent structure integrally formed with the peripheralwall structure 31. As illustrated, peripheral side wall structure 31 isadditionally configured to provide an implement guide as passageway 40.Likewise, bottom wall structure 32 does not extend into implement guideor passageway 40. Additionally, implement lock member 39 includes atlease one protrusion or detent 41 formed integrally with peripheral sidewall structure 31, with peripheral side wall structure forming anarcuate region or portion 42 adjacent to the detent 41. It is preferredin one embodiment that a detent 41 be provided adjacent to each end ofarcuate portion 42.

In operation, by way of example, caddy 30 can engage an implement, suchas a map, at handle 50. Handle 50 is guided into implement passageway 40and past detents 41, and positioned along arcuate portion 42 ofperipheral side wall structure 31. Detents 41 are preferably formed fromresiliently deformable material, as is peripheral side wall structure31, so that as handle 50 having a diameter greater than the distancebetween detents 41 passes between detents 41, the detents 41 andintegral side wall structure 31 may be deformed to accommodate handle50. Once handle 50 passes between detents 41, detents 41 and integralside wall structure 31 return to their respective resting orientations.In the situation where only a single detent or protrusion 41 isemployed, detent 41 and the opposing side wall region (not shown) ofside wall structure 31 may be deformed until handle 50 passestherebetween, whereby detent 41 and the opposing side wall region returnto their respective resting orientations.

A caddy and vessel combination as detailed herein may be utilized invarious forms. One such combination may be useful for a caddy andbucket, for purposes such as house cleaning, where the caddy can securea mop in the bucket. Another such combination may be of use for a caddywith a mixing bowl, where the caddy is capable of securing a cookingutensil and separating cooking ingredients. From the foregoing, it canbe seen that there has been provided an improved vessel which greatlyfacilitates the determination of the volume of the contents thereof, aswell as an improved caddy for use therewith that releasably secures animplement.

The matter set forth in the foregoing description and accompanyingdrawings is offered by way of illustration only and not as a limitation.While particular embodiments have been shown and described, it will beapparent to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications maybe made without departing from the broader aspects of applicants'contribution. The actual scope of the protection sought is intended tobe defined in the following claims when viewed in their properperspective based on the prior art.

1. A caddy for use with a vessel comprising: a wall structure adapted toengage and substantially cover an open upper end of a vessel; animplement lock formed integrally with the wall structure; and a handleformed integrally with the wall structure.
 2. The caddy according toclaim 1, wherein the wall structure includes at least one partitiondividing the caddy into plural open-top compartments.
 3. The caddyaccording to claim 2, wherein at least one compartment has a drainopening therein.
 4. The caddy according to claim 1, wherein theimplement lock includes a slot formed in the wall structure forresiliently engaging an implement.
 5. The caddy according to claim 4,wherein the implement is a mop handle.
 6. A vessel assembly comprising:a container having a first peripheral wall structure having an upper enddefining a top opening and a first lower end; a first bottom wallstructure integral with the peripheral wall structure and closing thelower end for cooperation with the peripheral wall structure to define afirst cavity, the first bottom wall structure having a depression formedtherein defining a second cavity which forms a part of the first cavity;first indicia on the first bottom wall structure for indicating thevolume of the contents of the second cavity; a receptacle including asecond peripheral wall structure having an upper end defining a rim anda second lower end, the rim configured to engage the first peripheralwall structure; a plurality of partition members dividing the receptacleinto a plurality of compartments; a second bottom wall structureintegral with the second peripheral wall structure and plurality ofpartition members, the second bottom wall closing the second lower endfor cooperation with the second peripheral wall structure and pluralityof partition members; an implement lock member formed integrally withthe second peripheral wall; and a handle formed integrally with at leastone partition member of the plurality of partition members.
 7. Thevessel assembly according to claim 6, wherein the first peripheral wallstructure includes second indicia for indicating the volume of thecontents of the first cavity.
 8. The vessel assembly according to claim6, wherein the second indicia are disposed on an inclined ramp so as tobe visible from above.
 9. The vessel assembly according to claim 8,wherein the first peripheral wall structure includes two inclined rampsdisposed along opposite sides thereof, each of the ramps bearing indiciafor indicating the volume of the contents of the first cavity.
 10. Thevessel assembly according to claim 9, wherein the first peripheral wallstructure has an upper portion extending upwardly from outer edges ofthe ramps, and an inner portion extending downwardly from inner edges ofthe ramps.
 11. The vessel assembly according to claim 9, wherein theramps have upper surfaces which are substantially coplanar.
 12. Thevessel assembly according to claim 6, wherein the second cavity has avolume which is a small fraction of the volume of the first cavity. 13.The vessel assembly according to claim 6, wherein the second bottom wallstructure has at least one opening.
 14. The vessel assembly according toclaim 6, wherein the implement lock member includes at least oneprotrusion formed integrally with the second peripheral wall.
 15. Thevessel assembly according to claim 14, wherein the implement lock memberincludes an arcuate portion adjacent to the at least one protrusion anddimensioned to releasably secure an implement.
 16. The vessel assemblyaccording to claim 15, wherein the implement is a mop handle.